City of Revelstoke should cut back on planning department

In reference to the Times Review article on John Guenther’s resignation. The city and the citizens of Revelstoke should be happy that John is leaving. The planning department has cost us a lot of tax dollars with his elaborate planning schemes which were more suited for large cities rather than for little Revelstoke with a population of 7,000-plus. I was not happy with his empire- building of the planning department and hiring of expensive consultants to carry out his ideas, which he should have been able to do himself, having a PhD in planning.

I would suggest to city council that they not hire a Director of Planning but promote the existing assistant to the only planner, who hopefully has a more practical planning approach for Revelstoke.

In fact, the city now has a wonderful opportunity to assess the whole function and staffing of the planning department and by promoting from within and not replacing anyone, that alone would bring considerable savings to the City.

I wish John the best for the future, which will probably be a position in a large city where his qualifications will be put to good use.